Flatonia, Texas

LOCAL HOTSPOT HENRY K’S

SOUTHERN PRODUCE GALLERY FOR THE KIDS LEGACY REBELS

CELEBRATE THE ARTS

OFFICIAL VISITOR AND RELOCATION GUIDE

FLATONIA

ALL THE BEST OF FLATONIA, TEXAS HISTORIC REFURBS, AREA ATTRACTIONS, FINE DINING, SHOPPING, AND LODGING

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

JACK PAVLAS

page 24

COMMUNITY EVENTS

page 28

A FALL FAVORITE ROCKY CREEK MAZE AT FOUR E DAIRY page 16

RAILROAD TOWN, page 4

Where all roads lead

Welcome!

Willkommen and Bienvenidos! The Flatonia Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to Flatonia, Texas, the place where you meet friends and Czhilispiel together!

In South Western Fayette County, Texas, nestled between Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, as you travel down Interstate 10 or Highway 95 lies Flatonia.

Flatonia is a beautiful small town with a population of approximately 1,500 residents. Originally founded under Czech and German heritage, Flatonia has had a growth spurt in the last ten years, becoming a melting pot for various ethnicities. Founded in 1873 by F.W. (Friedrich Wilhelm) Flato during the development of the Union Pacific Railroad, the community was soon named after him.

Whether you are making a quick stop while traveling through I-10 or Hwy 95 or looking for a unique place to rest, relax and just enjoy life; our small town community invites you to explore our local restaurants, variety of shops, and gas stations. If you decide to stay, you can do so in our historic lodge. We offer a little bit of everything from a nice breakfast, lunch, or dinner in one of our family owned restaurants or shops to an enjoyable trip downtown to snap a picture of our historic buildings and see how the newer businesses have kept the historic charm.

We host a variety of events throughout the year such as Market Days, Wine Walks, Crawfish Boil and our annual festival, Czhilispiel, always the 4th full weekend in October! The Chamber of Commerce works very hard and diligently alongside our community, local and surrounding businesses through their sponsorship and support to put together this amazing festival for everyone to enjoy!

From its small roots, Czhilispiel has grown to hold the largest biergarten tent with our Chili cookoff being the second largest in Texas! Czhilispiel offers all day family fun, non-stop entertainment, food judging, games for both adults and children, biergarten, carnival, 5K run, arts and crafts vendors, delicious festival food and a hometown parade! Families come every year to reunite, dance, play and catch up with long time friends in the streets of historic downtown Flatonia!

Come Czech us out for Czhilispiel 51!

Blackmon, Harry Siter, Emily Garza, Philip Kipp, Jeannie Kipp, Jack Pavlas, Tammy Collins

The Flatonia, Texas magazine is produced and published by Texas-based Trips Publications, a publisher with a focus on small towns throughout Texas. To view all of the towns in the Trips Publications family, visit tripspublications.com or call 979-725-3080 to request copies.

Banse Stokes Partner/Publisher Lori Olivarez-Ligues Partner/Sales

Lucy Blackmon Executive Director

Flatonia Chamber of Commerce

RAILROAD TOWN

Historical Flatonia, Texas

Flatonia is very proud of their charming little town and its Czech and German heritage, beautiful landscapes, ranches and countryside surrounding their town.

There are several bed and breakfasts in country settings, a beautiful historic hotel located just one block from the downtown area, lovely cottages recently renovated just on the east end of town and three hotels conveniently located on I-10. There are a wide variety of antique and gift shops, a pharmacy, an old-world museum and more ... all located in our historic downtown area.

Above, Flatonia’s Tower No. 3 is available for tours. The historic tower now stabilized and preserved along the OST in downtown Flatonia, just a few blocks from where it would have been.

Flatonia is still a well-known and scenic spot for train watchers, boasting one of Texas’ longest standing, manually operated railroad switching towers with North-South, East-West cross rails. Flatonia was a market town for rich agricultural area, on one of this state’s earliest railroads (chartered 1841 by the Republic of Texas). Situated on land granted in the 1840s to rancher William A. Faires.

Germans began to settle here in 1860s, and soon needed a shipping point for their products. Sailing master Friedrich Wilhelm Flato (1820-1899) and his wife Sophie, of the German Colony, had a store about 2 miles south of here.

Flatonia is a community of about 1,500, centrally located between four major Texas cities – Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Victoria. It was established in 1873 and named for the pioneer merchant F. W. Flato. It became a melting pot for English, German, Bohemian, Czech and Italian immigrants.

In the 1870s, Czech immigrants arrived, and the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railroad (delayed by Civil War, 1861-65) was built to this point. John Cline, F. W. Flato, John Lattimore, and Railroad President T. W. Pierce founded Flatonia on Oct. 16, 1873, naming it for the Flato family.

LOCAL TREASURES

Must see sights in Flatonia

The 9-hole course at the Flatonia Golf Course facility features 3,056 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. Designed by Lonnie Garbade, the Flatonia golf course opened in 1993. Richard Schacherl manages the course as the General Manager.

The fairways are narrow and the greens are elevated. Unlike many of the older rural, 9-hole courses in the state, Flatonia’s course is a little longer (over 3,000 yards) and the holes tend to play more like the big-city courses. Number five is the longest par four at 413 yards, and is listed as the number one handicap. Hole seven is fun to play, a 114-yard par three that requires a carry over water to reach the green.

Flatonia Golf Course is located at 1245 East US Highway 90.

The two-story Olle Hotel, located in Flatonia’s National Historic District, was built between 1896 and 1901 by a local physician, G. W. Allen, Sr. In the hotel’s early days, her rooms were mostly filled with the many drummers, or travelling salesman, who crossed the countryside by rail.

Today the current owner, Kathryn Geesaman, still greets business

travelers in addition to happy vacationers, tourists and those seeking a respite from busy city life.

After enjoying a restful night that only a quiet, small Texas town like Flatonia can provide, guests can take a short stroll to enjoy a hot breakfast at Darlin’s Diner downtown. Vouchers (good for $12) are provided for each guest staying at Olle Hotel, so they can order up whatever suits their fancy.

Olle Hotel boasts 11 rooms and 13 bathrooms. There are also three houses available on-site for families or those desiring more privacy. One of the houses is pet friendly for those traveling with their four-legged family members. And while the structure itself may be historic, guests won’t miss out on modern conveniences like wi-fi and satellite TV.

Call Olle Hotel at 361-772-0310 to book a room or visit the hotel online at www.ollehotel.com.

Above, locals and visitors alike are welcome to scramble to Flatonia Golf Course, a municipal course that welcomes everyone to a fun round of golf. Photo by Lori Olivarez-Ligues.

Step into the E. A. Arnim Archives and Museum in Flatonia and into the past. Housed in two large downtown buildings, the museum’s exhibits illustrate the settlement, early history and continuing development of the town of Flatonia and the surrounding rural area. Historical photographs of citizens at work and play, letters, documents and local advertising memorabilia throughout the exhibits add extra layers of detail to the story of Flatonia, its people and its culture.

E. A. Arnim Archives and Museum is located at 101 East North Main Street in downtown Flatonia.

The Lyric Theater allows patrons to step off the street and back in time with classic movies and old-fashioned favorites. Originally known as the Foster Building when it was built in 1879, the name changed The Happy Hour Theatre in 1913 and later to The Lyric Theatre in 1930.

The Lyric Theater, Lyric Ice Cream Parlor and Big Time Pizza are located in downtown Flatonia on East South Main Street and online at lyrictheatre.com.

Building on her experience of running a mobile food truck during her freshman year in College Station, Taylor Laney was quick to jump in on a permanent location when the old Darling Emporium building came up for sale. She opened Darlin’s Diner in that location in September 2021, a popular foodie destination for both locals and travelers alike.

“The biscuits and gravy are my favorite,” shared Laney. “Many come in for the eggs benedict, but I love the homemade gravy we make every day with bacon juice, like I like to call it. At lunch, I like the cheese-bacon-avocado-ranch burger. It’s the most ordered item on the menu.”

Darlin’s Diner is open every day for breakfast and lunch, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features a variety of homestyle classics that will fill any rumbling tummy that walks in the door.

Darlin’s Diner is located at 114 East South Main in downtown Flatonia and online at www.darlinsdiner.com.

The Market in Flatonia excels in combining friendly faces, fresh produce, fine meats and fabulous selection to create the perfect local grocery. The Market 2 has the largest stock of beer, wine and liquor within 50 miles. Owners Randy and Cyndi Johnson invite everyone to pop in and experience their stores that are as unique as Flatonia itself.

The Market is located at 116 West North Main and can be reached at 361-8659244. The Market 2 is located at 120 West North Main. They are online at www. flatoniamarket.com and www.themarket2.com.

The history of the railroads in Flatonia lives at the Central Texas Rail History Center. The Center houses many historical artifacts, model train displays and photographs from when ‘rail was king’ in Flatonia.

The Central Texas Rail History Center is located at 104 East South Main Street and open every Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m. Group and special tours are welcomed.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

From top, Olle Hotel welcomes guests to stay in a historic home near downtown Flatonia; The Market is a must-see stop; Central Texas Rail History Center tells tales of Flatonia’s origins; Darlin’s Diner serves up heaping helpings of feel good favorites.

Kloesel’s Steakhouse and Bar was founded in July 1970 by Harvey and Diana Kloesel and has been a Texas tradition for over 53 years.

In 2009, Harvey was inducted into the Texas Restaurant Association Hall of Honor which is the highest award a person can receive in the restaurant industry. The award was giving for his dedication to leadership in the restaurant industry, for being an outstanding restauranteur, and his good standing in his community.

Kloesel’s is known for its hand cut certified Angus and Akaushi steaks that are choice and prime. The quality is the finest around! They also serve a variety of other dishes along with freshly made sauces and dressings. Diners will discover a variety of items on the menu, such as steaks, seafood, pasta, chicken, Tex-Mex, sandwiches, and classic homemade plate lunches served daily. And, oh yes, don’t forget the perfect ending by indulging in their variety of fine dessert.

You owe it to yourself to come out to this one-of-a-kind restaurant where small-town hospitality and world-class fare combine to create an experience you’ll want to return to again and again. A private room is available for weddings, private parties, and meetings. Kloesel’s can accommodate you and your friends for any occasion. Please call for reservations or email info@kloesel.com.

Your next event wouldn’t be complete without Kloesel’s Catering Service. They can advise you on a variety of dishes and hors d’oeuvres or you can customize your own dish for any special occasion.

Kloesel’s Bar has nightly specials and a happy hour. Your feet will be tapping along with live music on select Friday and Saturday nights. Drinks, dancing, billiards, and darts will create that perfect evening – all in one spot having you return again and again. 101

Restaurant is open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-9pm, Closed Mondays Bar serves liquor, beer, and wine.

BY MICHELLE BANSE STOKES

PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY HENDERSON

Tucked gently along a side-street in downtown Flatonia, Southern Produce Gallery’s exterior reflects its former life as a lumberyard and speaks of days-gone-by. Take a step inside and visitors are transported to a realm of imagination, artistic vision and uniquely functional pieces that encourage one to think of wood and metal in a different way than they did 100 years prior.

A Cleveland, Ohio native, artist Harry Siter may have known that Texas was home, but it took him a while to discover Flatonia for himself.

“You know, I’ve been working in Texas for 20 years,” Harry said. “I have a sort of family that I found here … all other artists, mostly in the film industry. When they moved from Dallas to Austin, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I love Austin!’ But I didn’t really want to live in Austin, so I looked outside of Austin and I kept looking and looking. It took me three years to find Flatonia and, when I found it, I knew this was the town.

“So, in Ohio, you’d be so surprised at the level of the museums, the quality of the work and just the appreciation and the desire to have

it. I feel like I’m in the same place here in Texas. I try to create that dynamic here in Flatonia.”

And when Harry found the old lumberyard, he could see his vision unfolding.

“I make furniture and art,” Harry shared. “I bought the building in 2018 and it took a few years to bring it back to life because it was in such bad shape. I couldn’t be happier with where I’m at. The support here in Flatonia is great. The people are wonderful. I feel like I’m home.”

Harry has had a life-long love affair with art and his pieces reflect his passions for wood, metals and nature. A piece he is particularly fond of is one he calls Bison Lounge.

“The fun thing is, I feel like I have these breakthroughs with stuff on occasion, like that slab of wood looks like a giant boomerang,” Harry said with a laugh. “I knew I wanted it for the back of the bench. Then I put the alligator on the live edge. So, it’s just fun! I’m just trying to have fun with things, explore and let my pieces have a dialogue.

Previous page, Harry Siter in Southern Produce Gallery; above, the interior of the historic building.

“Another fun piece I’ve created is Georgia. She was another breakthrough where I said, ‘Okay, I’m making this figure and I don’t want it to be boring. Let’s do a flower head instead of a human head and have some fun with the personality.’”

Art and woodworking have gone hand-in-hand for him for years and when Harry gets an artisicic vision, it’s big. Always willing to think outside the box, he doesn’t allow his pieces to be held back by what’s available at the store.

“I’ve been woodworking seriously since college,” Harry said. “It was funny because I’d go to the lumberyard and I felt limited by the materials. I knew I needed to find a tree. With a tree I can do whatever I want and the sky’s the limit.”

Although he has galleries in San Francisco and Los Angeles selling his work on a larger scale, Harry’s focus is right here at Southern Produce in Flatonia. As for the future of this location, Harry has a few artistic tricks up his sleeve.

“I plan on doing an art fair right around the time of the Round Top Antique Fair,” Harry shared. “So, we’ll have an art fair in the spring and in the fall, just centered around that time period. Hopefully it keeps growing. Shows will change and the work inside of the gallery will change. I keep looking for new artists to represent within the gallery.

“It’s hard for a lot of businesses in these small towns to survive. I’m not so worried about myself as a business person, but I’m worried about other businesses that try to make it out here. A lot of them come and go. The best thing that I could do is sell art and pay my artists. I’m driven to do that. I’m working towards the dynamic of getting assitional galleries involved because it creates an interest in the world.”

BY MICHELLE BANSE STOKES, PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY HENDERSON

Southern Produce Gallery is located at 117 West 7th Street in downtown Flatonia.

As an artist, I would have to say that my life has metaphorically created other lives again and again – in the form of inanimate objects that speak.

Above, one of Harry Siter’s pieces he carved from a tree surrounded by other artists’ works; right, the front facade stays true to the gallery’s roots; below, Harry is always working on his next artistic project.

FLATONIA ISD THE PLACE

400 E. 4th St, Flatonia

Flatonia ISD consists of highly motivated educators who work alongside suppor tive parents and communit y volunteers to provide our amazing students with a safe and suppor tive educational environment that allows for continued success.

Flatonia ISD builds relationships among students, staff, families, and community in order to provide a consistent, safe learning environment. We are dedicated to developing the academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being of each student.

It is through the high expec tations we have for our students and staff that we promote continued excellence and equit y in education. As a school communit y, we are committed to providing a qualit y educational experience to ever y child who walks through our doors.

We hold students to core values and provide innovative programs, so students become life-long learners who contribute to and lead their community.

FOR THE KIDS

Legacy Rebels

Cheer & Tumbling

When most people think of cheerleading, people cheering on the sidelines of sporting events is the first image that comes to mind. Legacy Rebels Cheer & Tumble of Flatonia exists because there is so much more to being a competitive cheerleader than just cheering on other people. Participants spend hours consistently working to perfect this routine before competing with it. Hours of practice, multiple days a week for months at a time to get it just right for competition season.

“It’s an actual sport,” said Emily Garza, founder and owner of Legacy Rebels. “They compete and it’s really vigorous. We’ve already started making their routine for this year and it’s a whole year commitment. They’re in the gym about four to six hours a week.

“We have one team this year, our competition team, which is a group of eight. They’re going to go to San Antonio, Dallas and Galveston for competitions this year.”

The idea for Legacy Rebels developed as a result of Emily’s lifelong passion for cheer.

“I have had a love for cheer my whole life,” Emily shared. “I started in fifth grade with tumbling at a gym in my hometown of Victoria. I cheered throughout middle school and high school. I was always at the gym and it’s just something that I really loved. My teaching career started in Schulenberg. I was in high school, I believe I was 15, and I was asked to come help with classes at the fitness center. Eventually I was given classes to teach on my own. Today, I employ 15 people here at Legacy Rebels. The youngest students we have are two-years-old and the oldest we take are 18.”

Although Legacy Rebels spends a lot of time on the road, Emily and her students find time to be a part of their local community.

“We attend all of the local events like 90 Miles on 90 and Czhilipiel,” Emily added. “It’s a big thing for us. There’s also the talent show. We put together a routine and do it free of charge. It’s something really fun for them and that definitely gets our name out there by showing people what we do. Last year, we won first place at the talent show so they were really excited about that. We also hold camps for the

A STATE-OF-THE-ART CHEER AND TUMBLING FACILITY RIGHT IN THE HEART OF FLATONIA

Above, Emily Garza assists her students in learning the fundamentals of the sport of competitive cheer.

EMILY GARZA

public, host clinics and do free events as well. Last Friday, we had a family game night here. We had a few new kids come in; they got to see the gym and learn what we’re about.”

And including absolutely everyone is the ultimate goal at Legacy Rebels.

“It’s not just a girl thing,” Emily said. “We have classes for little boys and dads, like jujitsu, that we call ‘ninja class.’ We also hope to reach more boys when we grow our competition cheer team because they’re a great asset to have on board.”

Being a part of the community is vital to the success of Legacy Rebels. After all, Emily believes that she’s simply repaying a community that continues to support her venture in every way possible.

“The people of Flatonia have supported me beyond measure,” Emily added. “I’ve really grown to love Flatonia. The town has definitely

invited me with welcoming arms. I’ve had help from so many people. I’ve made really good connections with the kids’ parents, even to the point where they invite me to their extra things like ballet recitals and softball games.

“I would say the most important thing about us here is that we try to be super inclusive and a good thing for the youth in our community. We really love having the kids and they’re what makes the gym. I think we’ve built a great thing here … I hope to continue it for them and leave a legacy.”

Legacy Rebels Cheer & Tumble is located at 618 North Grange Street and online on Facebook.

We try to be super inclusive and a good thing for the youth in our community.

Above, students perform in the Legacy Rebels Cheer & Tumble gym at 618 North Grange Street; inset, Emily Garza works with her students in a tumbling class.

Four E Dairy & Rocky Creek

Wondering what a visit to Rocky Creek Maze might be like? Well, just imagine wandering along more than 2.5 miles of paths in a eight acre field of tall corn, trying to find your way through a giant puzzle! Their unique brand of good farming fun is the perfect activity for kids, parents and grandparents.

Or, if you’re interested in some spooky fun ... enter if you dare! In total darkness, stumble your way through the Haunted Trail and prepare yourself for a monstrous adventure. The haunted trail is separate from the main corn maze and takes place the last three Friday and Saturday nights in October.

Rocky Creek also hosts Field Trips for school groups. They’ve partnered with Spookley the Square Pumpkin to promote bullying prevention. Students can walk a short trail through the corn to discover Spookley’s story and answer anti-bullying discussion questions.

4E DAIRY

The family also operates a dairy farm and bottles fresh unprocessed milk, offers artisan cheese and fresh yogurt - all made with their

own milk. Be sure and bring your cooler. Four E Dairy is a third generation, family owned dairy farm located in the rolling hills of Lavaca County. They sell fresh Grade A retail raw milk and cream from their Jersey and Jersey-cross cows. Their cows are pasture-fed and then supplemented with a ration that includes their homegrown hay and silage. They receive no hormones or antibiotics.

At Four E Dairy, they love raw milk, their animals, and their family. The family raises their children and grandchildren on raw milk. Four E strives to continue this tradition by offering the freshest raw milk and cream to their customers.

According to their website, Ernest and Marcella Chaloupka started their dairy in 1947 with a very small herd of only two to three Holstein cows.

Their website states, “At that time everything was done by hand and milk was sold from the road. Over the years, the dairy grew to about 100 head, along with the Chaloupka family – five children, daughters Jeanette and Elizabeth, and sons Gene, Erwin, and Ernest “Jr”. Gene, Erwin and Gene’s wife, Elyse, took over the

operation in 1970 and the herd grew to 200 head. Ernest retired in the early 1990’s. The third generation couldn’t stay away, and Gene and Elyse’s sons returned to the farm, Chad in 1999, and Scott in 2015.

Dairying thru the early years was a good way to raise and support a family. However, the structure of the milk market changed in the 90’s and the price of milk became very volatile. The consensus of dairy economists was “to stay in dairy business, you have to get big”. So in 2000, a freestall barn and waste pond was built, and more Holstein cows were bought with the intention to go up to 500. Needless to say, that did not happen, it did not solve the cash flow problem and, in fact, brought on a whole new set of problems.

In 2005, we decided to change to the Jersey breed, and 100 full-bred Jersey cows were bought and integrated into the herd. Since that time, the dairy has been using that root stock to build to a full Jersey herd, not

bringing in any outside stock, and raising all replacement heifers on farm. We are now closed herd

In 2007, Gene read an article about a corn maze and thought it would be a good way to supplement dairy income. We joined with Gene’s youngest brother, Junior, and his wife Helen, and started the Rocky Creek Maze in September 2007. It has been a great way to share our experience and knowledge about farming, provide good clean family fun, and also add additional income.

In 2009, dairy prices took a deep dive and, coupled with a few years of drought, we were struggling to keep the farm. With the encouragement of a fellow dairyman, we took on another new venture. We made some changes in the dairy barn, put together a group of purebred Jerseys for pasturing, applied for a raw milk permit, and began selling raw milk from the farm. In doing so, we have learned so much

about sustainable dairying, nutrition and healthy eating, including raw dairy products and other foods.

Through our raw milk endeavor, we have met an extraordinary group of people, our customers, who are very conscientious about their health, their source of food, and the environment. They are very willing to share their knowledge and their stories. They are very willing to promote each other’s businesses. We feel very blessed for the opportunity, the choice, and the results.

We are now working to pass on the dairy to a third generation, grateful for that generation willing to take on the responsibilities, risks, and hard work associated with dairy farming.”

Four E Dairy and Rocky Creek maze are located at 784 CR 251 and online at www.rockycreekmaze.com and www. fouredairy.com.

Club of Flatonia

LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE

Henry K’s

A TEXAS-STYLE NIGHT ON THE TOWN THAT IS TRUE TO FLATONIA’S ICONIC ROOTS

Henry K’s is a beer and wine pub in the historic downtown area of Flatonia. Named after Philip Kipp’s dad who passed away many years ago, Henry K’s offers a relaxed atmosphere, ice cold drinks, live music, and plenty of southern hospitality to go around.

“We bought the building in 2015 and opened on Czhilispiel weekend, of all things, in October of 2016,” Jeannie Kipp, Philip’s better-half and co-owner of Henry K’s said.

Henry K’s looks like a 1980s bar with lots of pictures and vintage decor. There’s a pool table, vintage posters, taxidermied animals, and the original tin roof and cement flooring that came with the building, poured into ten-byfive squares - but it didn’t always look like this. Where the bar stands now was once an empty building that used to be a tractor showroom in the early 1900s.

“We have old and new in here,” Jeannie said.

Philip was a builder for many years. He was born and raised in South Dakota and then moved to San Diego and built all over the city before moving to central Texas where he began his next passion project.

“He built homes, banks and post offices and all kinds of things for years,” Jeannie recalled.

BY LILIANA HINOJOSA, PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY HENDERSON

In addition to Henry K’s, Philip built all the homes on the ranch out in Moravia that the couple tends to daily. They live in the apartment in the back of the bar, but go back and forth to the ranch any chance they get.

“We just love it,” Jeannie said. “It’s just such a nice town. Just very friendly, there’s a lot of wonderful people out here and we always liked it as the best area in this community and we lucked out.”

Patrons of the bar feel the friendliness and love in return and keep coming back to visit.

“We have a lot of return out of towners,” she said. “People from all over the nation!

“We call it the living room. If people want to just come in and relax, and visit, and listen to music, and play pool and play cards, they can.”

And there’s no doubt that everyone is welcome to stop in and hang their hat for a spell.

“It’s just more of a small town, comfortable, come as you are type of bar,” Jeannie added.

Henry K’s is located at 105 West South Main Street and online on Facebook.

Facing page, from top, Phllip and Jeanie Kipp of Henry K’s; bottom, the street view of Henry’s K’s in downtown Flatonia. Above, Jeanie describes a drink selection to a customer; left, the historic bar in the old school saloon.

Meet Jack Pavlas

FLATONIA’S UTILITY DIRECTOR STANDS READY TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY THAT HE LOVES, ONE CUSTOMER AT A TIME

A man of few words but significant action, Jack Pavlas is doing his part to ensure that the City of Flatonia operates smoothly. As Utility Director for the City, Pavlas shared with me a little bit about his crucial role.

Before taking on the City one emergency at a time, Jack worked out of town doing air conditioning and electrical ... but when his wife received a promotion at her job, he began looking for something a little closer to home.

He heard that the City of Flatonia was hiring at the time and it seemed like the perfect opportunity for him.

That perfect opportunity turned into a career and in September, Pavlas will hit his 33rd year as Utility Director. When I asked what keeps him there, he simply said, “Habit.”

“I prefer to remain way in the back and try to go unnoticed,” he shared.

Flatonia, however, has taken notice. In fact, there is a popular saying around these parts: Oh, don’t worry about it! Just call Jack, he’ll fix it! “Yes, just call Jack, he’ll fix it!” Pavlas repeated with a smile.

BY LILIANA HINOJOSA, PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY HENDERSON

worry about it! Just call Jack, he’ll fix it!

“Getting power restored after outages, getting water leaks fixed, sewer blockages, just making sure that the town runs,” he said humbly, talking about his role. “When someone flips a switch, they have electricity. When they turn on the faucet, the water is there. When they flush the toilet, everything goes away.”

And if someone calls in the middle of night, rest assured Pavlas will be there to answer that call and get things right again.

When he is not hard at work ensuring the City has what it needs, Jack spends his time tending to his cattle, hunting, or fishing.

City Hall at the City of Flatonia is located at 125 East South Main Street and online at www.flatoniatx.gov.

According to their website, the City of Flatonia consistently strives to provide top quality services to our customers, offering cost-effective rates for water, wastewater, electricity, police protection, building inspections, and economic development services. Please call the City offices at 361-865-3548 for more information.

Oh, don’t

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY

• Relay for Life Breakfast Tacos Kick Off at the Civic Center

• Flatonia FFA & 4H Stock Show & Sale

• Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Banquet

• Fayette County Go Texan Shrimp Boil

• Flatonia Fireman’s Stew Supper

• Turtle Wing Toast at Senglemann Hall (Schulenburg)

FEBRUARY

• Black History Event-St. Paul A.M.E. Church

• Knights of Columbus Dinner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church

MARCH

• Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Parade of Quilts

• Krist Baseball Tournament and Schulze Softball Tournament

• Flatonia Education Foundation - Dinner and 1 Act Play

• Flatonia Golf Association - Flatonia American Legion Hall

• Flatonia Rotary Club – Pints for Polio

APRIL

• Rail Fan Pavilion Party

• Flatonia American Legion BBQ Chicken Fundraiser

• Easter Egg Hunt at Oak Manor Nursing Center

• Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Crawfest

• Jerry Weir Golf Tournament

• Muldoon Volunteer Fire Department Fundraiser

MAY

• Flatonia Chamber Spring Wine Walk - 1st Friday

• Jack Hooper Day at the Ballpark & Home Run Derby –Schulenburg Sports Complex

• ArtWalk – Arts for Rural Texas

• Flatonia Rotary Golf Tournament

• Flatonia American Legion Memorial Day Service

JUNE

• Summer Fun at the Flatonia City Pool & ARTS Summer Camp

• Sacred Heart Catholic Church Spring Picnic – Flatonia

• 90 Miles on Hwy 90 Yard Sales – 1st full weekend

JULY

• Summer Fun at the Flatonia City Pool & ARTS Summer Camp

• Incredible Knockouts – Shrimp Boil

• Flatonia ISD Athletic Summer Camps

AUGUST

• Summer Fun at the Flatonia City Pool & ARTS Summer Camp

• Flatonia Education Foundation Golf Association & Homecoming Dance

• St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Praha-Prazska-PicnicAlways August 15th

• Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church-Cistern-Picnic

• Flatonia Bulldog Football and Lady Bulldog Volleyball Begins

• Flatonia ISD Athletic Summer Camps

OCTOBER

• Flatonia Sacred Heart Catholic Church-Turkey and Dressing Lunch

• Turtle Wing Monster Dash-Schulenburg Railroad Park

• Oak Manor Fest-Everyone invited for Czhili and Music

• CZHILISPIEL (Always the 4th Full Weekend in October)

• Community Trick or Treat at Oak Manor Nursing Center

• Flatonia ISD Trick or Treat Around the Track

NOVEMBER

• Rail Fan Pavilion Party-Flatonia

• E.A. Arnim Museum and Archives Fundraiser/Stew Dinner & Play

• Harvest-Arts for Rural Texas

• Praha All Veterans Day Memorial Service

• Flatonia Citywide Thanksgiving Service-Rotating Local Churches

• Wayne Hunt Scholarship Dinner-Praha Hall

DECEMBER

• Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Village Lighting and Santa at Gazebo

• Flatonia Chamber of Commerce-Wonderful Winter Wine Walk

• Merry Market Vendors-Cookie/Candy Carnival-Santa and Photos

• Annual Christmas Musical-St. Paul A.M.E. Church

• Flatonia Bulldog and Lady Bulldog Basketball Tournaments

*Each month -1st Saturday: Muldoon Museum Open 10am to 1pm flatoniachamber.com

Czhilispiel is a nod to Flatonia’s Czech and German heritage. First, the name comes from a play on the word “Chili.” The addition of the “z” is a play on a Czech spelling, and the German work “spiel” means play.

The festival started in 1973 to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Flatonia. Czhilispiel began as a fundraiser to help fund a local Flatonia student’s medical school education. At the time Flatonia needed a doctor, so the residents organized the Czech heritage festival and chili cook-off, Czhilispiel. The student agreed to serve the community for at least five years after completing medical school, but ended up staying longer. Czhilispiel continues to use proceeds from the event to benefit local needs, whether for students or community services.

Over the years, Czhilispiel has grown from a small cook-off to a larger event with a concert series, biergarten, carnival, parade, arts and crafts market, 5K and various activities throughout the weekend. It is held every year on the fourth full weekend of October.

Call the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce at 361-865-3920 for more information or visit their website at www.flatoniachamber.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates on scheduling and entertainment.

CZHILISPIEL 51

October 27-29, 2023

10/28: 9-10:30pm - Cody Canada & The Departed

10/28: 7-8:30pm - Sunny Sweeney

Full Lineup - www.czhilispiel.com Czech

Always in April, Flatonia’s Crawfest is an event you don’t want to miss.

Flatonia Chamber of Commerce CRAWFEST

Chow down on a feast of crawfish, shrimp, Joel’s sausage, potatoes, corn, beer, wine, and iced tea while enjoying live music, live and silent auctions, giveaways and drawings. Tickets are available from the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce office, 208 East North Main Street in Flatonia.

What’s the best way to finish your Christmas shopping early this year? A wine walk in Flatonia, of course! Tickets include a one-of-a-kind imprinted wine glass. Tasting of various wines are hosted at Flatonia-area businesses. After the walk, meet at the Flatonia Civic Center for more tastings! The event will also include wine bottle ring toss, arts and crafts vendors, a cookie and candy carnival, ugly sweater contest, and door prizes. Purchase your wine glass from the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce office, 208 East North Main Street.

Every December, both young and old alike will enjoy the lighting of the Christmas Village, the arrival of Santa Claus himself on a fire truck, dancers, music and refreshments. Busy elves will want to check out the Christmas Market at the Flatonia Civic Center, 208 East North Main Street. The annual Cookie and Candy Carnival welcomes patrons to pay-by-the-pound for their goodies. Little ones will find Santa waiting to snap a photo and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Call the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce at 361-865-3920 or visit www. flatoniachamber. com for more information.

Revisiting Tammy Collins

Downtown Flatonia is slowly, but surely, being renovated one historical building at a time. The driving force behind the change? Well, her name is Tammy Collins - a retired registered nurse whose love for helping others and improving the community continues to grow year after year.

“My husband purchased our home in the mid 1980’s, about one year after we met,” Tammy said. “We have traveled extensively over the years for work and when home it was generally for quiet time, so for many years we did not venture out much.

“About eight years ago I began a large remodel job on our home, then when near finishing I found the old Western Auto building had been on the market for roughly one year ... long story short, our travel was starting to slow down and we were able to be home more, so thought I’d restore it and open a shop. That’s how I ended up working downtown and getting involved in our wonderful community,” she said.

Since her last interview with us, Tammy has been hard at work to restore this beautiful Texas town.

“We have literally been completing multiple spaces simultaneously over the past several months,” she said. “I believe we are down to the last two on East North Main Street ... thank goodness!”

Some of the completed renovations include 403 North La Grange Street, a green house with a white picket fence that is currently in use as a vacation rental, “with all five star reviews on VRBO!” Tammy added.

“Guests love the home and visiting Flatonia and surrounding attractions. We get many Round Top visitors and vendors, and many touring the painted churches,” she said.

There is also 121 East North Main Street where Your Hometown Pharmacy and Wellness Clinic opened in the space Friday, July 21, 2023, as well as Inspire Hair Salon on 117 East North Main Street that has expanded and been restored into its original single space.

A few others include 115B East North Main Street for Hey Poppy Floral, 115C East

TAKING A LOOK AT HOW FLATONIA’S HISTORIC DOWNTOWN IS COMING BACK TO LIFE, ONE BUILDING AT A TIME

North Main for barber Ulysses Castro, 115D East North Main Street for Esthetics By Cate, 111 East North Main Street for Legacy Land Associates, and 109 East North Main Street for Fayco Sport and Spine, which will be opening in the space with a physical therapy clinic and 24-hour access fitness center.

“We so need this in town and are very excited to have them on board!” Tammy said.

The building collective also hosts Mark Russell Jones, a Flatonia artist who opened up a studio in 111B for those who wish to enjoy his work.

When asked if she had considered restoring other Texas towns, Tammy said, “No way! Ha! This has been about the town and the history and restoration of our beautiful structures here.

“It has been a journey of learning and building incredible relationships through actual blood, sweat, tears and laughter. We have built a small, but mighty team of committed individuals. We are family at this point!”

And Tammy has not forgotten others that have helped her.

“The community has been amazing!” she continued. “They have shown so much love and support over these past few years. I am very happy to be a member of the Flatonia Rotary Club, and as part one of my jobs is to interview high school students for scholarships. I just began participating on the scholarship board this past year and it has truly been a joy. I have ended up employing a number of applicants this summer and I love working with them.

“The community gave me the opportunity to participate as a member of The Barn Door Players this past year. They put on the play at the annual E.A. Arnim Museum Fundraiser. This experience was something very special that I will always appreciate.”

When she isn’t busy building and helping others, Tammy and her family tend to their animals.

“We have a horse sanctuary at our home with about 28 horses at this time, along with lots of other furry and feathered friends ... about 70 chickens, three dogs, four cats, and all of the wildlife. We love caring for the land and all of the animals.”

This has been about the town and the history and restoration of our beautiful structures here.

FLATONIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING

David Urban Bookkeeping

315 East North Main

361-865-2301

Texan Bookkeeping Services

132 West South Main Street

361-865-3496

ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS

Blahuta Advertising

1304 North Texana

Hallettsville

(361) 798-5372

AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING

South Central Electric

117 North Market Avenue

(361) 865-2838

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS AND REPAIR

Flatonia General Store - NAPA

515 North La Grange Street

361-865-3900

AWARDS AND TROPHIES

Trophy Tech & Gifts, LLC

130 East South Main Street  361-865-2721

CATERING

Richter’s Catering Service

506 South Market Street

361-772-2682

CHILD CARE

Clover Connection Child Development Center, LLC

112 East South Main Street

361-772-2826

Sarah’s Tender Loving Care

Learning Center

115 North Market Street

361-865-3506

CONTRACTOR AND CONSTRUCTION

Carruthers Construction

4814 FM 2762

512-584-8059

Don Mikulenka Custom Builder, LLC 308 South Market Street 361-865-4202

Double K Custom Homes, LLC 5353 Herman Lane 512-800-1994

Keeley Companies 314-421-5933

Kloesel Construction 212 West Moore Street Moulton 979-450-8217

COUNTRY CLUB

Frisch Auf! Valley Country Club

575 Country Club Drive

La Grange

979-968-3965

DINING AND DRINKS

Cistern Country Store & Bar

12604 North Highway 95

361-865-3655

Darlin’s Diner

114 East South Main Street

830-237-2446

Joel’s Bar-B-Q

503 I-10 Frontage Road

361-865-2454

McDonalds

709 North La Grange Street

361-865-3730

Red Vault Bistro & Art Gallery

124 East South Main Street

361-865-3663

Robert’s Steak House

1241 Highway 95 North

361-865-3099

EDUCATION

Flatonia ISD

400 East 4th Street

361-865-2941

ELECTRICAL

Leon’s Electric & Plumbing, Inc

719 Upton Avenue

Schulenburg

979-743-3056

ENTERTAINMENT

Cistern Country Store & Bar

12604 North Highway 95

361-865-3655

Faith Family Fun Center, LLC

233 College Street

Schulenburg

979-743-6585

Music Entertainment Co.

221 West 5th Street

979-732-4729

FEED AND SUPPLIES

S & S Grain Inc.

202 South Faires Street

361-865-3585

FINANCIAL

Fayette Savings Bank

111 North La Grange Street

361-865-2875

Flatonia National Bank

114 North La Grange Street

361-865-3800

Prosperity Bank

206 East South Main Street

361-865-2953

FITNESS

Anytime Fitness

501 North Main Street

Schulenburg

979-505-5055

FLORISTS AND NURSERIES

Barbara’s Flower World

417 East North Main Street

361-865-3627

The Yard Stop

706 East North Main Street

361-772-4447

FREIGHT BROKERS

LaRue Logistics

114 East South Main Street 214-802-7544

FUEL DISTRIBUTION

Patriot Fuel Distributors, LLC 2340 Highway 77 North

Hallettsville

361-772-8658

INVESTMENTS

Edward Jones Investments

260 North Kessler Avenue

Schulenburg

979-743-5187

IT CONSULTANTS

HEAT Services by Art Hernandez

979-525-6181

LODGING

Flatonia Housing Authority

701 East Mulberry Street

361-865-2534

Flatonia RV Ranch

2055 FM 609 361-865-9290

Olle Hotel 218 South Market Street 361-772-0310

Schulenburg RV Park

65 North Kessler Avevenue

Schulenburg 979-743-4388

The Cottage at Fayette Acres 16070 North Highway 95 713-817-7589

MANUFACTURING

Prototype Machine Company

818 Prototype Road

361-865-3230

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

Crown Hospice

361-575-5900

Flatonia Family Health Center

230 West North Main Street

361-865-3302

Smithville Chiropratic

104 Northwest 1st Street

Smithville

512-363-3624

MUSEUMS

E. A. Arnim Archives & Museum

101 East North Main Street

361-865-3455

NEWSPAPERS

The Flatonia Argus

212 South Penn Avenue

361-865-3510

ORGANIZATIONS

American Legion Post #94 713-302-2303

Flatonia Lions Club

361-865-3361

Flatonia Rotary Club

361-865-9309

RD Ranch

281-682-4437

Women’s Action Guild

361-865-2154

PET SERVICES AND SUPPLIES

Serenity Ranch Kennels

1124 West Parker Road

361-865-3301

PHOTOGRAPHY

Emily Marie Photography, LLC 832-474-4478

PLUMBING

Leon’s Electric & Plumbing, Inc. 719 Upton Avenue

Schulenburg

979-743-3056

Leroy’s Plumbing, Inc. 116 South Main Street, Moulton 361-596-7709

Violet Plumbing, LLC

5730 FM 154

512-781-4124

PRODUCTION

HeartBrand Beef

101 West South Main

361-865-2121

FLATONIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DIRECTORY

PROMOTIONS AND DESIGN

CH Graphics

1466 East Cemetery Road

Hallettsville

361-798-3071

LoneStar Promo Products

229 County Road 284

281-677-8801

Love Rock Creations

2544 Baca Loop

281-435-4711

PORTABLE TOILETS

Mica Rentals, Inc

129 East North Main 361-865-3871

PUBLICATIONS

Trips Publications

406 West Main Street, STE. 105

Weimar

979-725-3080

REAL ESTATE

113 ENM, LLC 361-865-4098

Ann Sampson & Jill Walles

Tx Licensed Realtors

979-743-5803 or 979-575-4221

Henry Benedict Real Estate Investments

1206 Bremerton

San Angelo

512-282-1258

Legacy Land Associates

111 East North Main Street

512-776-1398

RECREATION

Flatonia Golf Course

1245 East Highway 90 361-865-2922

RENTAL

All Star Roll Off 979-966-9726

SALON AND SPA

Inspire Beauty Salon, LLC

117A East North Main Street 361-865-5027

SEPTIC SERVICES

Fayette County Septic Systems 14824 North Highway 95 830-708-9064

SHOPPING

C&M Liquor

505 East I-10 Frontage  361-865-2777

Flatonia Food Mart

205 South Faires Street 361-865-3330

Nannies Pantry 5841 Burke Road 361-772-0246

Rae’s Recipes 512-348-3017

The Market    116 West North Main Street 361-865-9244

The Market 2 120 West North Main Street 361-865-9110

Timewise - Shell 709 North La Grange Street  361-865-9399

TX Print House 105 East North Main Street 361-865-3369

Tupperware & Norwex Dealer

361-865-9114

SPORT AND FITNESS

Legacy Rebels Cheer &Tumble LLC

2651 Highway 90 West

361-894-1708

STORAGE

4M Storage 318 12th Street

361-865-2910

VENUE

The Harrison Room

103 East North Main Street

WASHATERIA AND LAUNDRY SERVICE

Vash N Dry

518 North La Grange Street

361-865-4084

WATER WELL SERVICE

Richter Well Drilling, Inc 815 Prototype Road

361-865-3518

WELDING

Allan’s Welding Service

1213 FM 1295

361-865-3977

WINERY

Majek Vineyard & Winery

12508 FM 957

Schulenburg

210-413-8912

Moravia Vineyard & Winery

12564 FM 957

Schulenburg

979-562-2236

Destination Flatonia

FLATONIA WELCOMES YOU, FOR A DAY OR FOREVER

Flatonia is a unique blend of the old and the new, combining a rich cultural heritage and hometown values with economic opportunities that offer unlimited potential for future growth and prosperity. Centrally located between four major Texas cities – Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Victoria – Flatonia is just off Interstate 10 in southwestern Fayette County.

Flatonia’s transportation infrastructure includes Highways 90 and 95, the Union Pacific Railroad, and easy access to three major international airports. This strategic location makes Flatonia ideal for any industry requiring rapid access to major transportation corridors. The City of Flatonia consistently strives to provide top quality services to their customers, offering cost-effective rates for water, wastewater, electricity, police protection, building inspections, and economic development services.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population 1,800

Female 47.5%

Male 52.4%

Housing 83.3% owner occupied

Education 80.2% high school graduation rate or higher

Workforce 850 in a 10-mile radius, 2100 in a 15-mile radius, 17,000 in a 25-mile radius

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2023)

City Hall

125 E. South Main P.O. Box 329

Flatonia, Texas 78941

Phone 361-865-3548

Fax 361-865-2817

www.flatoniatx.gov

Photo courtesy Jack Pavlas.

Worship with us

EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT ALL OF THESE AREA CHURCHES

Small town churches, like the ones in Flatonia, have a unique feel and qualities all their own. Although Flatonia is indeed a small community, you’ll find our churches to be welcoming of visitors and newcomers alike. Come worship with us, sing along with familiar hymns and share with us in fellowship.

We welcome you to join us at any, or all, of the following Flatonia churches:

FLATONIA BAPTIST CHURCH

225 East 6th Street

361-865-3813

Worship Sunday, 10:40 am

www.flatoniabaptist.org

FLATONIA METHODIST CHURCH

403 East North Main

361-865-3658

Worship Sunday, 10:30am www.flatoniaumc.org

NEW UNION BAPTIST CHURCH

715 Martin Luther King Street

Worship Sunday, 11am

www.newunionbaptist.com

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH

516 South Faires Avenue

361-865-3568

Worship Saturday, 5pm

Worship Sunday, 9:30am

www.shsscm.org

STS. CYRIL & METHODIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH

113 Manchester Street, Cistern

361-865-3568

Worship Sunday, 8am www.shsscm.org

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

821 FM 1295, Praha

361-596-4674

Worship Saturday, 4:30pm

Worship Sunday, 8am

www.stmaryspraha.org

ST. PAUL AME CHURCH

505 East 12th Street

361-865-2110

Worship second and fourth Sundays, 11am

www.stpaulamechurch.com

FLATONIA’S HISTORIC DISTRICT

Flatonia Commercial Historic District

That’s right, the City of Flatonia has a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places!

The Flatonia Commercial Historic District encompasses 36 acres of the old downtown of Flatonia centered around the Union Pacific Railroad tracks with both North and South Main Streets running east/west, and bounded on the west by South Faires Street and on the east by Middle Street. There are a total of 74 buildings, structures or other sites in the historic district with 60 being contributing and 14 being non-contributing. The period of significance is from 1874 to 1970.

We hope you enjoy the vast array of structures many of which have remained relatively true to their origins.

Flatonia - The Twinkle in the Lone Star! FLATONIA

The gazebo in Central Park, downtown Flatonia.

Meet the Neighbors

Enjoy a short 13 minute drive to Cistern, a charming community proud of their Czech and German heritage. Beautiful landscapes, ranches and countryside surround the unincorporated town. Visitors will want to stop in at Cistern Store, known far and wide for their classic hamburgers, cold beer, and live entertainment.

La Grange is nestled along the Colorado River and features history, beauty, festivals, museums, concerts, antiques, air shows, feasts, and an annual county country fair. While there, visit Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites at 414 State Loop 92. Open daily; the park is free to the public. You’ll also want to stop by and see the Fayette County Courthouse, pictured. You can learn more about the courthouse at www.co.fayette.tx.us/page/fayette. Courthouse.

Schulenburg is home of the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum, a facility that strives to preserve the creative genius and talent of Victor and Joe Stanzel and promote an appreciation of flying through educational programs and projects. Through Victor and Joe’s example, it seeks to enlighten and inspire all people, young and old to follow their dreams. Stop by and walk through the museum yourself or book a guided tour. Guided tours give schools and visitors insight into the world of the Stanzel model aircraft. The docents will gladly share their knowledge of the exhibits in our three museums and answer any questions about the Stanzel products.

Take the short drive to Moulton and discover a historical marker located at the downtown gazebo that recognizes Adolph Hofner (1916-2000) for his role as a pioneer of western swing music. He was the first to record the classic Cotton-Eyed Joe in 1941.